The official sports predictions blog of Joshua Huffman, freelance writer who is publisher of the "NFL Predictions against the Spread" series. Blog specializes in NFL predictions from myself and links to other writers' predictions. Occasionally will do predictions for other sports. Check left side bar for more categorized blogs.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

JZN NFL Predictions vs. Spread: More Week 12 Picks Part 2 of 2

I'm still waiting on lines for many of these games so feel free to check back on spread picks. These are my final five picks for Week 12 of the 2011-12 NFL season.

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (-3)
Keep an eye on the injury to Ray Lewis. The Ravens losses have occurred against weaker teams. I feel like they'll be fired up for this game. The 49ers are also due for a loss. If they win this game, they have a legitimate chance at going 14-2, even 15-1. They still have four of five games against NFC West teams.

Final Predictions:

Against the Spread: Baltimore Ravens (-3)

Straight: Baltimore Ravens 16, San Francisco 49ers 13

Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons (-10.5)
The Vikings will be without Adrian Peterson. Rookie quarterback going up against Matt Ryan in Atlanta. The Falcons are playing for their playoff lives. The only thing I'd be concerned about is that the Vikings have a run defense that's good enough to contain Michael Turner.

Final Predictions:

Against the Spread: Atlanta Falcons (-10.5)

Straight: Atlanta Falcons 27, Minnesota Vikings 10

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams
The Cardinals won the first meeting when Patrick Peterson took a punt return 99 yards in overtime. This week, I think the Rams are due for a victory. Otherwise, they're potentially looking at a divisional record of 0-6 in the NFC West. They have two games against the San Francisco 49ers and a trip to Seattle after this.

Law of averages makes me side with the Rams.

Final Predictions:

Against the Spread: St. Louis Rams (TBD)

Straight: St. Louis Rams 16, Arizona Cardinals 14

Pittsburgh Steelers (-11.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
I have no clue who will win this game. Good luck.

Final Predictions:

Against the Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers (-11.5)

Straight: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Kansas City Chiefs 7

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
The one part of me says that the Eagles will be playing with their backs against the wall. The Patriots have struggled against NFC East opponents this season. They almost lost to the Dallas Cowboys at home and they lost their first regular-season home game since the 2006-07 season with Tom Brady starting when they fell to the New York Giants. I also think that the Eagles have the defensive ends (Trent Cole and Jason Babin) that can chase Brady out of his comfort zone. At 1-4, shouldn't the Eagles be due for a home victory?

The other part of me says that Bill Belichick cannot lose to a quarterback who can't read defenses (Michael Vick). Truth be told, I think the Eagles would have a better chance with Vince Young. With that said, Tom Brady vs. Vince Young? Meh...

Personally, I'd stay away from this game. For pick' em league purposes, I'll side with Brady. 50.00001/49.99999 in favor of the Patriots.